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Fianna Fáil Says Drone Filming of Jim Gavin in Red Zone Was an Oversight

Gavin, the aviation regulator’s operations chief, asked the pilot to file a voluntary safety report after learning no permission had been obtained.

Overview

  • The drone recorded a campaign video during a Porterstown Park run inside the U97 UAS red zone, where flights require explicit prior approval.
  • Fianna Fáil said the registered pilot was unaware of the restriction and described the incident as an oversight, adding that safety was not compromised.
  • RTÉ reports Gavin said he would have checked for permission had he seen the drone and framed the response as reporting and learning from mistakes.
  • The IAA and AirNav have been contacted for comment, and no enforcement action has been reported as of October 1 under laws that allow fines up to €500,000 for serious breaches.
  • The video includes three brief drone shots showing Gavin, including alongside Minister Jack Chambers, as coverage also highlights privacy obligations under DPC guidance.